Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of nurses' discharge education and post-discharge patient problem prediction for hospitalized patients experiencing neurological problems. A sample of 21 nurses providing discharge education and 107 patients who received the education at a university-based hospital was studied using survey methodology. Eleven patient problem areas were identified and questionnaires investigated three issues for each area: 1) discharge education; 2) post-discharge patient problem prediction, and 3) actual post-discharge patient problems. Results revealed that the effectiveness of discharge education and the accuracy of patient problem prediction varied according to the problem areas. Activities of daily living (ADL) skills were frequently taught and ADL problems were accurately predicted. However, a significant number of patients continued to experience ADL problems. Information about medical procedures and medication was frequently provided and few patients experienced problems in these areas after discharge. Disease management, anxiety, family dynamics, living environment and social and recreational activities were less frequently discussed in discharge education, were predicted inaccurately and many patients experienced post-discharge problems in these areas. Financial problems were rarely predicted but many patients experienced such difficulties. Generally, patients who received education about social services did not experience problems in accessing them while those who had not received such information had significant related problems. This research highlights a need for nurses to focus discharge education and problem prediction on holistic concerns and not limit it to medical procedures and medication.
